weekly February 2, 2026, Issue 997
DTS AutoStage: Programmers React
Xperi’s DTS AutoStage in-car listening technology (see an overview here) is a hot topic for radio programmers, many of whom are already using and applying the data. Whether as a supplement or alternative to Nielsen Audio’s PPM and diary reports, this new flood of listening information looks to be a sea change for broadcasters. Pamal Exec. Dir./Operations & Programming Kevin Callahan is overlaying DTS AutoStage numbers with data from Nielsen and other sources. “We’ve created user names for all our programmers and sales, and we’re talking about how we might use Kevin Callahan what it gives us.” Street level and other marketing, event planning, sales targets and geo-specific targeting are among the possible applications. For Callahan, one of the highlights is “weekly data that is actual listening in cars equipped with DTS tech. All Pamal markets are diary markets, so that is more frequent information than we see from other services. I can even create weekly trending in our smallest market in Vermont.” Justin Chase Unsurprisingly, sample size is a revelation. “In any given week in Albany, for instance, there are nearly 7,000 cars,” Callahan says. “The product is in Beta so we consider that when we use it. For it to be really useful, we’d need to see competitive data, [and] we’d want to know more about the people in the cars, too.” He even proposes a “million-dollar idea” for a companion app that preserves private data, but Brian Michel allows for demographic info to be shared. “This would create even greater value for our medium,” he says, noting he’s sharing the idea in writing “so no one can steal my check.” Bird Off A Wire: “Our PDs are beginning to use this on a regular basis,” says Beasley CCO Justin Chase. “It allows for near real-time analysis of content with a healthy sample size. While it doesn’t allow for demographic level metrics, it’s a good gauge for tracking trends and audience reactions to events.” (continued on page 9)
Mic Check: WFLS/Fredericksburg, VA‘s 16th Annual St. Jude Radiothon raises $155,927. Pictured (l-r) are the station‘s Sean Quinn, Debbie Patten, Grayson Williams, Peti Madigan, Jeff Cochran, Karen Harris and Bonnie Miller.
BTS: CMA’s Brenden Oliver
Stations and broadcasters lucky enough to have won one of the CMA’s Broadcast Awards not only have a trophy to show for their efforts, but the memories of a carefully curated experience as well. That starts with the moment they stop by the CMA office to pick up their award, and continues through show night with its pre-show reception, dedicated open bar, floor seats, after party tickets and onstage acceptance speeches. Brenden Oliver Spearheading all of those efforts is longtime CMA Dir./ Awards Stewardship Brenden Oliver. (continued on page 5)
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